Israel Adesanya: Sean Strickland beats Nigerian star at UFC 293 to become Middleweight champion

Adesanya’s championship era has come to an end! Sean Strickland triumphs over Izzy at UFC 293, securing the Middleweight championship.

On Sunday, September 10, 2023, Israel Adesanya, the New Zealand mixed martial artist with Nigerian roots, made his return to the Octagon.

Adesanya, widely recognized as “The Last Stylebender,” entered this showdown against Strickland following his earlier victory over Alex Pereira to regain the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight title earlier this year.

Strickland kept Adesanya on his heels as the champion refused to let his hands go in exchanges.

At the end of the first round, Strickland connected a huge blow that rocked Adesanya at the end of the first round.

During the second round, Strickland maintained his composure, patiently seeking the opportunity for a significant strike while keeping Adesanya on the defensive.

Despite this, Adesanya managed to connect with some effective punches, forcing Strickland to retreat.

However, in the third round, The Last Stylebender struggled to utilize his jab as Strickland relentlessly applied pressure.

Throughout the fourth and fifth rounds, the narrative remained consistent, as Adesanya found himself on the defensive against an assertive Strickland.

In the fifth round, Adesanya struggled to execute his signature left and right combinations.

From the very beginning, Strickland dominated Adesanya, maintaining relentless pressure and displaying a consistently strong upright boxing game.

At the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, all judges unanimously scored the contest 49-46 in favor of Strickland.